James Favre-Fallet Swiss silver Masonic regulator pocket watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890-1893
This large open-face regulator pocket watch is attributed by the seller to the Swiss manufacturer James Favre-Fallet of Saint-Imier, dated to circa 1890–1893 based on registered hallmarks and branding.
The white enamel dial features polychrome Masonic symbols at the hour positions, along with the Eye of Providence, crossed sprigs, an open book, square and compasses, and the columns J and B. The case is reported to bear French 800-fineness chimera import hallmarks stamped for Pontarlier. According to the seller, the internal 15-jewel Swiss movement incorporates a straight-line anchor escapement and Breguet balance spring.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Masonic regulator pocket watch
- Dimensions
- Diameter 6.4 cm; Depth 1.7 cm
- Maker Location
- Saint-Imier, Switzerland
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Jewels
- 15 jewels
- Silver Hallmark
- 800/1000 chimera import hallmark
- Dial Inscriptions
- Régulateur, Swiss made, and A.L.G.D.G.A.D.L.U.
- Maker / attribution
- James Favre-Fallet
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial displaying painted polychrome Masonic emblems replacing traditional hour markers • Dial inscribed 'Régulateur', 'A.L.G.D.G.A.D.L.U.', and 'SWISS MADE' around a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock • Gilt metal pierced Louis XV style hands for hours and minutes • Fluted gilt brass onion winding crown with a curved silver bow and adjacent case push-piece
- Dial and Iconography
- The polychrome white enamel dial features Masonic symbols in place of standard hour indices. It bears the painted inscription 'regulator', 'Swiss made', and the abbreviation 'ALGDGADLU' (To the glory of the great architect of the universe). Additional elements include the letters 'J' and 'B' placed within columns at nine and three o'clock respectively, signifying the columns of the temple of Solomon. The watch is fitted with Louis XV style gilded metal hands and a subsidiary seconds dial with a gilded steel hand.
- Movement and Provenance
- The movement is described as a 15-jewel Swiss-made anchor escapement with a Breguet balance spring. The dust cover and cuvette are engraved with the number 94427-1, though the source notes the engraving on the cuvette is partially erased. The manufacturer is identified as James Favre-Fallet of Saint-Imier, Switzerland. The dust cover carries the 'FJF' logo with a star above the letter 'J'.
- Case Construction and Hallmarking
- The watch features a solid silver case measuring 6.4 cm in diameter and 1.7 cm in depth, including a fluted brass winding crown, a solid silver bail, and a pendant-actuated push-piece for time setting. The case exhibits the French chimera import hallmark, indicating 800/1000 fineness. This hallmark is stamped on the bowl, dust cover, and edge of the case, and includes the letter 'P' attributed to the Pontarlier guarantee office.
Identification
- Reference
- 1610061
- Serial number
- 94427-1
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Movement condition, jeweling, and inner case dust cover engravings are reported by the seller but not visible in the primary photograph.